About Lionsbridge FC

Lionsbridge FC competes in USL League Two, the top pre-professional men’s soccer league in North America. The club was recognized in 2019 as the USL League Two Franchise of the Year.

​Founded in 2018, Lionsbridge FC led the Eastern Conference in attendance with nearly 1,500 fans per game in each of its first two seasons. The team finished 4th out of 74 teams in attendance in 2018 and 3rd in 2019.

Seven Lionsbridge FC players have gone on to sign professional contracts -- three in the United States, two in England and one in Sweden and Australia.

The roster is comprised of top locally-based collegiate and international players. The club houses a number of players with local host families during the season.

Home games are played on the campus of Christopher Newport University. Every game is preceded by a 2-hour community festival with bounce houses, family entertainment, music, beer garden and the area’s top food trucks. All home matches are streamed on Facebook Live.

The Mission:

1) Reflect and add to the amazing spirit that already exists on the Peninsula; 2) Provide positive role models for our young people; 3) Shine a light on the important work being done by the non-profit organizations in our community; 4) Support local businesses; 5) Provide a first-class experience for players who are looking to launch their professional soccer careers.

The Vision:

It's about more than soccer. It's community. It's a family night out. It's local flavor. Every game is a community festival with something for everyone: music, a beer garden, food trucks, bounce houses and after select home games, fireworks.

Why "Lionsbridge FC?"

Since 1932, the Lions Bridge has been an iconic Peninsula landmark, majestically situated in The Mariners' Museum and Park on the banks of the James River. The bridge has long served as a gathering place for our residents and Lionsbridge FC is adding to this history.

Our Leadership

Lionsbridge FC is led by co-founders Kevin Joyce and Mike Vest. Alongside Kevin and Mike is a dedicated group of interns, volunteers and host families. Without their contributions, there wouldn't be a Lionsbridge FC.

Kevin is a Registered Representative with Financial Security Management, Inc. in Newport News, Va. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Kevin is also the chair of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Kevin and his wife, Shaina, have three boys, Asher, Silas and Ezra.

Mike is a 20-year sports industry veteran with a background in public relations, marketing, media rights, content distribution and corporate sponsorship. He previously worked at his alma mater, the University of Kansas, as well as Wake Forest University, Big Ten Network, IMG and the Atlantic 10 Conference. He and his wife, Kristie, have a son, Jackson.